Determined Attitude

Monique Godwin is proud and thankful to be the new owner of her home in the Willard-Hay neighborhood of Minneapolis. Monique purchased her home in March of this year through CLCLT’s Project: Reclaim program and said she’s so happy to be in her home “even when I’m cleaning the kitchen counters!”

Making the move from Chicago in 1995 with her two sons and one on the way, Monique knew Minneapolis was the right place for her family. Having encountered some financial difficulty along the way, her family moved into a shelter but with some assistance they were able to find an apartment within two weeks. With a determined attitude, Monique soon found a job at Loring Nicollet as an administrative assistance and eventually worked her way up to become an MFIP counselor.

This past May, Monique graduated from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources Management and a minor in Psychology and plans to return for a Masters in Human Services. Monique currently works for St. Stephens as a Family Case Manager assisting families who recently experienced homelessness to move towards self sufficiency. Monique loves her work and said, “Because I’ve been there, I know it feels.” In the future, Monique hopes to work in Human Resources for a family-oriented organization.

Some time ago Monique made a list of her goals and she has been working diligently to check them off. In the same year, she completed her degree and purchased a home – two of her biggest goals. Prior to purchasing her home Monique lived in a few public housing apartments and most recently in an overpriced apartment in Fridley. While working with one of her families at St. Stephens, Monique came across a flyer for Project: Reclaim, applied and was in her new home within almost half a year. She loves the fact that she has all new appliances as well as a laundry room that is on the same floor as her bedroom. Monique’s two younger sons live with her and she said they have been very helpful around the house. They even enjoy doing yard work with her! “I love it and I’m going to take care of it,” said Monique.

When asked how homeownership compares to renting Monique said, “I feel like I have a purpose and I am at home. I am also more intentional about taking care of the community.”